Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
Cribs provide infants with a dedicated sleep space to decrease the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and encourages a regular sleeping routine. Cribs are also more flexible than other options, like bassinets.
If you decide to go with a modern design or a traditional style, be certain to confirm that it's GREENGUARD certified Gold to ensure it meets the highest standards of safety and reduces exposures to toxic chemicals. Then consider other options to choose the ideal crib for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent, your child's security is of the utmost importance. You want your child to rest at ease in a space free of dangers, like sharp edges or splinters. Choose a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
These include slat spacings less than 2 3/8 inches, to avoid your baby's legs, arms or head from being stuck in the mattress; a mattress that is firm and snug-fitting; no drop sides; a sturdy crib that is not prone to wobbling and clear instructions for assembly. Beware of any bells or whistles such as bumper pads or streamers that can strangle your baby.
Look for a crib that has been painted with low-VOC paint which is a safer alternative to traditional glues and varnishes that emit harmful chemicals into the air. Also, look for a mattress made using non-toxic materials, such as organic cotton and foam.
Pick a crib with no decorative embellishments or cutouts. These can cause injury should your child pick them up or gets their fingers stuck in them. Make cheap cots that the mattress cover fits tightly to the crib frame and that there aren't gaps between the mattress frame and the mattress. Also, you should avoid putting pillows comforters, quilts pillows, sheepskins or similar stuffed toys in the crib because they can increase the risk of your baby's SIDS. Mobiles are also a potential risk, since they could be tipped over onto the baby, causing death. It is recommended to avoid a mobile completely and opt for a more breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This is better for the health of your baby and allows you to supervise them as they sleep.
2. Convenience
A safe place for your baby to rest is among the most important things you will need. Cribs provide a convenient spot for your little one to relax, which can be particularly helpful when you're busy tending to other household chores or activities.
You can find cribs in your local nursery or at the home goods store. They must follow strict guidelines laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They are the best location to start your search for a high-quality crib. You'll need be aware of a number of aspects prior to purchasing the crib.
Cribs are an excellent choice for infants, newborns and toddlers, providing an incredibly comfortable bed that lasts well beyond the initial years of life. Many cribs come with convertible features which allow you to transform the crib into a toddler bed or a full-size bed. This will help you save money on your purchase and extend the life of your crib.
The small size of cribs makes them perfect for smaller spaces like apartments or lofts. Some cribs come with an adjustable table, which is useful if your nursery space is limited in space.
They are also lightweight and foldable, making them simple to transport. This makes them a great choice when traveling with your child, or when visiting friends and family because you can easily pack up the crib within a matter of minutes prior to leaving. However, the light construction of travel cribs may result in less robust construction than standard models and could pose a concern for some parents.
3. Style
If you're looking for a crib that will stand out in a space, look for a model with unique styling. There are cribs with a minimalist, sleek design or constructed from materials like bamboo or glass. It could also have clear sides that allow for easy access to. They are generally more expensive than solid wood alternatives, but can be a beautiful focal piece in any nursery.
Other cribs have traditional designs with graceful curves and moldings. They also have an appearance that reminds of antique pieces. They can be very extravagant, and are typically handcrafted with beautiful details. They are a great option to consider if you're in search of a crib that can become a family heirloom over time. They can also be paired with any design.
Another popular style is a Scandinavian-style crib with smooth straight lines and a light, unfinished wood finish that lets its natural beauty to shine through. These cribs are great for modern or contemporary nursery. You can paint them or leave the wood bare to fit in with your decor.
Cribs that have the functionality of a changing table can help you change your baby, particularly when they're young and have trouble sitting up on their own. These types of cribs typically come with drawers underneath to store diapers, wipes and other necessities.
Some cribs have curved sides or designs that can be used as an umbrella. They can add a touch of elegance to any nursery, and will keep your baby comfortable and cool during their sleep. Make sure to choose a fabrics that aren't too long and is firmly attached to your crib. This will prevent your child from reaching out to grab the fabric or pulling it down.
4. Convertibility
A crib that transforms into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed is a fantastic investment for any family. This feature will help you save money by not purchasing four separate beds during your child's growth and also save space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs are equipped with easy-to-store conversion kits, making it simple to use them when required.
Another thing to keep in mind while shopping for cribs is that a lot of cribs have additional features, like adjustable mattress heights or drawers. This allows you to customize the look and functionality of your crib. cot sets is particularly useful when your nursery is limited in storage space. Some cribs even have wheels, which can be incredibly useful when you need to move the bed around for cleaning or other reasons.
Convertible cribs are typically made of durable non-toxic material that is safe for your baby. They also meet the stringent safety standards set by CPSC and ASTM. Many models also have a contemporary or classic design that will fit into a broad variety of nursery decor. Some cribs are made from wood, whereas others can be constructed from stainless steel painted or metal. Certain brands are committed to environmental sustainability, and offer eco-friendly cribs that are made from GREENGUARD certified wood. This assures that harmful toxins are not absorbed into the surrounding environment.
The best convertible crib for your baby will require some time and effort however, it's an important decision that can be used for many years to come. Compare your options and compare prices as well as delivery times and other aspects before deciding.
5. Value
The crib is the biggest piece of furniture in your baby's nursery and can have a significant impact on the overall appearance and feel of the room. Therefore, selecting one that is in line with your preferred style or fits well with the rest of your room decor can make a significant difference in how you feel about the nursery when you spend time there.
As your child grows older cribs that are designed to convert into daybeds or toddler beds will continue to be useful providing you with a long-term benefit. They are also less costly than full-size bed and can be lent or sold to a friend when your child no longer has need.
Convertible cribs can be easily maintained since the majority of parts can be taken off and cleaned, and some have a conversion set which makes it simple to transform them into the ideal size bed for your child. Wood cribs can withstand frequent use and are durable. Some even last multiple children.
Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring options and are easier to move around when changing sheets or altering the mattress's height. They may wear out faster and need replacement earlier than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses, also referred to as dual-firm or two-stage mattresses are made to be used by infants and toddlers. One side is gentler for infants while the other is more rigid for toddlers. They're typically safer than foam mattresses and can be more comfortable for older infants who don't like the sagging feel of foam. They're typically more affordable than innerspring alternatives.